Hearts of Midlothian are drawn to begin their UEFA Champions League qualification in Austria after being paired with Sturm Graz in the second qualifying round. The tie starts with Hearts playing in July as they pursue qualification through three rounds to reach the 36-team league phase, which begins in September. The draw follows Hearts’ final-game loss in Scotland’s Premiership, which leaves the club with a longer qualifying route than the Scottish champions.
Celtic, who beat Hearts in their league match to win the Scottish Premiership, is scheduled to start later in the process. Celtic will enter the qualifying playoffs round in late August. Other matches referenced in the draw include Fenerbahce being paired with Gornik, according to the coverage provided. The reporting indicates the draw determines matchups for the early stages of the Champions League qualification pathway.
